Elena Pappas
Senior Editor, Hypertrophy
As the Senior Editor of Hypertrophy at No Bad Reps, Elena Pappas leads coverage on hypertrophy programming, strength and conditioning, and advanced training techniques. Her writing approach cuts through fitness fads to deliver evidence-based guides on lifting technique, progressive overload, and performance nutrition. By focusing on actionable, results-oriented advice, Elena helps serious strength athletes optimize their training volume and reach their true potential. She is dedicated to providing readers with the definitive, science-backed resources needed to build maximum muscle.
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Latest Articles

Hybrid fitness challenges redefine strength and conditioning
Just ten 6-second maximal sprints performed 15 minutes before a strength session can completely block the activation of mTOR, a key pathway for muscle growth, according to athletedata .
Sep 4, 2026 · 4 min read

5 Different Ways Grandstand Memorabilia Guarantees Your Signed Sports Collectibles Are Authentic
For collectors, the thrill of owning a piece of sports history is unparalleled. However, the growing market for memorabilia also brings a significant risk: counterfeit items. According to industry analysis from Mark Spar…
Sponsored by Grandstand Memorabilia · Sep 2, 2026 · 5 min read

The No-Jargon Guide to Crown Green UK and Bespoke Custom Apparel
Crown Green UK is a cut and sew manufacturing business that specialises in creating custom apparel and bowls bags for sports clubs. For teams looking to move beyond off-the-shelf kits, understanding the bespoke garment p…
Sponsored by Crown Green UK · Aug 31, 2026 · 8 min read

Training to Failure: Why It's Not Best for Hypertrophy
Despite decades of gym lore, training to absolute muscular failure yields no greater muscle growth or strength gains than stopping a few reps shy.
Aug 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Inside the Team Boxing League Season With 12 City Teams, Playoffs, and MegaBrawl
Choosing a new sport to follow can be a significant decision for any fan. When looking for what to look for when choosing a boxing league, the structure and format are paramount. The Team Boxing League offers a revolutio…
Sponsored by Team Boxing League · Aug 17, 2026 · 5 min read

OverDrive Puts the Gamer-Athlete at the Center of Performance Fuel
In the high-stakes, high-focus world of competitive gaming, the line between athlete and gamer has vanished. Recognizing this evolution, OverDrive produces performance fuel supplements specifically designed for the uniqu…
Sponsored by OverDrive · Aug 3, 2026 · 5 min read

Wear Fullone Motorsports Racing Shirts From Track Days to Everyday Plans
For motorsport enthusiasts, the connection to a team goes far beyond the finish line. Fullone Motorsports , a competitive race team, extends that connection through a dynamic collection of apparel designed for dedicated …
Sponsored by Fullone Motorsports · Aug 3, 2026 · 6 min read

Jon Heck's Longevity Highlights UNC Athlete Development Success
Jon Heck, a UNC football player, made an impressive 50 career starts, a testament to his enduring presence on the field.
Aug 2, 2026 · 3 min read

3 Reasons El Sueño Baseball Is Worth a Closer Look for Young Athletes
In the competitive landscape of youth sports, finding the right coaching can make all the difference. With baseball being the third most popular sport for young people in the USA, boasting an 18% participation rate among…
Sponsored by El Sueño Baseball · Jul 24, 2026 · 4 min read

Still Losing Your Towel? How the Aiming Fluid Golf Magna-Anchor™ Ends That Frustration for Good
Discover how the Aiming Fluid Golf Magna-Anchor™ system solves the common frustration of losing golf towels, offering a superior magnetic design and a comprehensive club cleaning routine. This innovative towel ensures your cleaning tool stays attached, cleans effectively, and supports your game.
Sponsored by Aiming Fluid Golf · Jul 15, 2026 · 8 min read

Progressive Overload: Reps as Effective as Weight for Growth
A 2025 study from A. Barsuhn found no significant difference in 1RM strength gains or muscle cross-sectional area increases between lifters who progressively increased weight and those who progressive
Jul 14, 2026 · 5 min read

How UIAR Helps College Coaches Review Student-Athletes With Better Context
UIAR gives college coaches and student-athletes a recruiting environment built around fuller context. The platform helps athletes create verified profiles, organize athletic and academic information, and connect with coaches.
Sponsored · Jul 6, 2026 · 6 min read

Pillowsonic Symphony Review 2026: Is This Under-Pillow Speaker Worth $69.99?
The Pillowsonic Symphony is a specialized under-pillow speaker designed to provide a private, therapeutic, and comfortable bedtime audio experience without the discomfort of headphones or earbuds. This review examines if its $69.99 price is justified by features like a built-in digital player and dual connectivity.
Sponsored · Jul 2, 2026 · 6 min read

Nick Walker Eyes 2026 Mr. Olympia Amidst Rapid Ascent
Fresh off his victory at the 2024 New York Pro, Nick Walker, who previously secured 3rd place at the 2022 Mr.
Jun 27, 2026 · 2 min read

Trey Lewis's 100-pound weight loss comeback: cold plunges & workouts
Country music star Trey Lewis has not only lost over 100 pounds twice but attributes his remarkable physical transformations to daily 6 a.
Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Master the Hanging Leg Raise for Six-Pack Abs
The hanging leg raise, when executed with precision, can generate over 130% maximum voluntary contraction in your rectus abdominis, according to Verywellfit .
Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Lean pork outperforms plant-based meals for building muscle
A post-workout meal of 20 grams of lean pork significantly outperformed both a plant-based meal and an amino acid shake in stimulating muscle-protein synthesis, according to new research.
Jun 24, 2026 · 2 min read

Intermittent fasting rewires brains, boosting weight loss by 7.8%
Magnetic imaging has revealed that intermittent fasting can rewire brain regions associated with appetite, emotion, and reward, fundamentally changing how participants relate to food.
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Ronaldo Aims to End World Cup Goal Drought Against Uzbekistan
Despite Opta's supercomputer giving Portugal an 80.
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

David Charvet finds Father's Day rewarding through BUILD
Actor David Charvet's greatest Father's Day reward now stems from a fitness concept he co-created.
Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read